The Walker House in Southampton is full of history and charm, and that’s exactly how its new owners want it to remain.

At the start of the month, Mary Putnam and Robert Ho took over the popular restaurant.

It didn’t take long for Putnam to make the move and purchase the historic building with her husband Robert, as she has very fond memories of the restaurant, one she describes as a landmark.

Putnam, who has had a family home in Southampton since 1957 is excited to run the restaurant with her family- son Jake and daughter Nicole.

“My sister, my mother and myself had all worked here in the past,” Putnam explained. “We’re excited because we want to preserve the charm, and want to put everything back into the restaurant over time.”

In the weeks since taking over the business from the Mahon family, Putnam said people have been great about stopping in and saying hello.

That’s part of the reason the couple took over the business, as they are committed to the community and hoping to provide residents and visitors alike with a great experience.

It was also important to Putnam and Ho to maintain local employment at the Walker House, and that current staff remain with the business.

“We want the staff to be even happier and motivated to come to work,” added Jake, the Walker House’s new manager.

Included, is the Walker House’s Red Seal Chef Josh Snyder.

“He does great work, and has a lot of experience behind him,” Jake said, noting a lot of people were unaware of how talented the kitchen staff were at the establishment.

For the meantime, the family has no plans on changing the restaurants menu either.

“We wanted to keep the same charm and flavour the Mahon’s had,” he continued.

For the time being, the only changes the family plans on making is any needed structural work.

“We just want to keep this building alive,” Jake said.

As for the first few weeks of business, the manager said it has been great.

“We’re looking forward to meeting more people from Saugeen Shores and the surrounding area,” he said.

The Walker House is open Sunday until Wednesday until 11 p.m. with later hours Thursday through Saturday.